When faced with an undesirable context, the biggest challenge for L Architects founder Lim Shing Hui was how to bring that spirit of respite, liveability and tranquillity into the house.

Her take was to focus on “a design strategy that could better respond to the undesirable surroundings rather than create a hermetic shell”.

Trees and plants thrive with abundant rain and sunlight in the tropics.

They also provide excellent shields from the eastern and western sun, while offering pleasant views.

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This rationale prompted her to use nature as a building material to form a porous, living facade.

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This re-contextualising of the urban surroundings through the use of deep, occupiable, lush landscaped balconies was what the jury appreciated.

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This article was originally published in Home & Decor.

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